Emeli Sande

I built a reputation as a songwriter in the industry before my own hits. People were used to coming to me for songs. There were songs like 'Clown' and 'Mountains' that were my songs that I wanted to keep. But the record labels saw me as a songwriter. It was hard to get people to believe in me as an artist. ”

Because they're my stories, they're my version of events of the past three years. But I really hope people can hear their own stories within the songs and they can become our version of events. ”

The focus is on singer/songwriters now rather than huge shows. I mean, of course there's always a place for that too. ”

We started very slow in America. It was small acoustic shows. We played places like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago and everywhere there has been a great reaction. It has been really lovely. They listen to the lyrics and the melody over there and the reaction has been fantastic. ”

I tried to bang down a lot of doors but Virgin were the only label who believed in what I was doing. I ended up with the label that understood what I was trying to do. ”

I'm not too bothered about what category my music goes in and there's no point in limiting in who you can reach, but I want it to be respected. ”

I feel like 'Next To Me' is a great introduction because it's a simple song that has a simple message for me. I wanted to introduce something that lyrically I'm proud of and introduces me both as an artist and as a writer. ”

I try to speak of a love that not necessarily romantic. I think there is so much love between people and so much love people want to give but it's harder and harder these days to show that, to celebrate that, you know? ”

It would be sad if we lost our instinct and our courage to love and protect. ”

Just thinking of all the things I'd done getting there and everything I've sacrificed to do so. But what's happening now makes it worth it. ”